(Charleston, SC) - The Charlotte Eagles battled the Charleston Battery tonight in a US Open Cup round three matchup at Blackbaud Stadium. Charleston got off to an early lead with a first half goal, but Charlotte came back to tie in the second half with a goal from Jorge Herrera. Osvaldo Alonso scored the winning goal for Charleston off a penalty kick in the final minutes to knock the Eagles out of the Open Cup. With the 2-1 win Charleston will move on to the fourth round to host the Houston Dynamo of the MLS on July 1st.
Charleston opened the scoring in the 12th minute following a scramble in the box involving Aaron King. The ball came out to King who hit a shot first time at the goal. Charlotte goalkeeper Terry Boss parried the shot but the clearance landed at the feet of Darren Spicer who volleyed home from the right side of the penalty-area. The goal was Spicer's fourth of the 2008 tournament.
In the 20th minute Charlotte came close after earning a free-kick twenty yards out. Midfielder Jorge Herrera whipped in a shot but Battery goalkeeper Keith Wiggans dove across and made the save at the near post.
In the 23rd minute Battery midfielder Osvaldo Alonso played an excellent pass down the right side for Darren Spicer. Spicer caught up with the ball at the bye-line and crossed to the back of the box. Winger Mike Richardson ran onto the pass but his header attempt was saved by Boss.
Charlotte enjoyed the majority of possession after half-time and were rewarded for their efforts in the 66th minute with a goal. Midfielder Ben Johnson hurled a long-throw into the box to Jorge Herrera who snapped his header past Wiggans into the goal.
The game appeared to beheaded to overtime but turned in Charleston's favor in the 90th minute after Randi Patterson was brought down in the box. The referee awarded Charleston a penalty-kick and Osvaldo Alonso slotted it past Boss to give Charleston the win.
Charlotte gave a strong performance tonight and had several strong strings of possession. The Eagles outshot Charleston 7-4 and forced Charleston goalkeeper Keith Wiggans to make six saves. Charlotte was clearly unhappy with the penalty kick awarded by Referee Banning particulary at such a critical point in the match which looked to be headed to overtime.
The Charlotte Eagles have another two game road trip this weekend. First the Eagles face the Western Mass Pioneers on Friday night. Then on Saturday its off to Bermuda to face the Bermuda Hogges. The Eagles return to home field action on Saturday, July 5th to host rival Wilmington Hammerheads at restart field. Kick off is slated for 7:00 pm.
The Charlotte Lady Eagles are at home this weekend hosting the Carolina Railhawks on Saturday night. Kick off is set for 7:00pm at restart field. For tickets visit www.CharlotteEagles.com and purchase your tickets in advance to save $2.00/ticket prior to game day. Tickets are also available at the gate for $10/adults and $7/youth (kids 5 and under FREE!)
Charlotte Stats
SHOTS: 7 (Swinehart 3); SAVES: 2 (Boss 2); FOULS: 9 (Bryant 2); CORNER KICKS: 8; OFFSIDES: 4; PENALTY KICKS: (NONE); CAUTIONS: Bryant 35, Swinehart 84; EJECTIONS: (NONE)
Charleston Stats
SHOTS: 4; SAVES: 6 (Wiggans 6); FOULS: 15 (Patterson 3); CORNER KICKS: 2; OFFSIDES: 3; PENALTY KICKS: Alonso 90 (Goal); CAUTIONS: Nylen 54; EJECTIONS: (NONE)
